Cabin camping near Chandler, Oklahoma offers a mix of outdoor recreation and modern amenities across several lakeside facilities. At an elevation around 900 feet, the region experiences distinct seasons, with summer daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and winter nights often dropping below freezing. Most cabin rentals remain open year-round, with winter months offering reduced rates and smaller crowds at popular lakes.
What to do
Hiking trails for all levels: Lake McMurtry features nearly six miles of well-marked hiking paths with trail markers to prevent getting lost. "I went to Lake McMurtry and a got set up at a nice campsite. Had a picnic table and water sprout and a trail right down to the water," reports a visitor to Lake McMurtry West Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Most cabin locations offer direct water access for fishing. Cedar Crest RV Park provides a stocked fishing pond on its 40-acre property. A visitor notes the park has "magnificent cedar trees and a fishing pond" along with various amenities for visitors staying in their rental cabin.
Kayaking and boating: Several lakes permit non-motorized and limited motorized watercraft. "Lake activities and hiking are available," mentions a visitor to Arcadia Lake, adding that "while it's close to the city, it feels far away."
Storm shelter access: Oklahoma's unpredictable weather makes safety features important. Cedar Crest RV Park maintains a "safe storm shelter" among its amenities, providing peace of mind during severe weather.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many cabins offer reasonable separation from neighbors. One visitor to Lake Carl Blackwell mentioned, "I've been to Lake Carl Blackwell a number of times, and that place is excellently kept. Large lake ran by OSU. Eight miles west of Stillwater (and a hospital) where restaurants and provisions can be found."
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife populations. "Deer, beavers, armadillo, birds!" enthused one Lake Carl Blackwell visitor about the natural surroundings near their cabin.
Seasonal advantages: Winter visits offer unique benefits. "We went in January, so there were no crowds," noted a cabin visitor to Lake Carl Blackwell, highlighting the off-season tranquility.
Clean facilities: Consistent maintenance receives frequent praise. "Bathrooms were old but not too dirty. They were heated very well," reported a Lake Carl Blackwell camper, noting the comfort even during colder months.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Advanced booking is essential, especially for cabins. The online reservation system at Lake McMurtry is described as "very nice" but one visitor noted "it is hard to get reservation... the campsites fill up quickly and pretty far out date wise."
Road conditions: Access to some cabin locations requires careful driving. A visitor to Lake McMurtry West Campground warned that "the road access to this campground is probably the worst that I have experienced... the slow speed required adds another 30 minutes to what should be a five minutes."
Supply limitations: Not all cabin locations have on-site stores. Pioneer RV Park offers a "small store with pizza" according to one reviewer, but many locations require bringing supplies from nearby towns.
Event scheduling: Check for local events that might impact your stay. One Lake McMurtry visitor advised: "verify there are no events planned for the duration of your stay before booking your campsite" after experiencing congestion during a cross-country running event.
Tips for camping with families
Storm preparation: Oklahoma weather can change quickly. Cedar Crest RV Park's storm shelter provides added security for families with children, particularly during spring tornado season.
Playground access: Some locations offer dedicated play areas. Oklahoma City East KOA features "a nice playground and dog park" according to one visitor who stayed there for six days.
Swimming options: Verify pool availability before booking. "They have a nice swimming pool," mentioned a visitor to Oklahoma City East KOA, though pools typically operate only from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Bathroom facilities: Family-friendly bathrooms vary between locations. Oklahoma City East KOA offers "individual rooms with toilet, sink and shower in each," making them convenient for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Most cabin rental areas also accommodate RVs with varying degrees of preparation. Pioneer RV Park receives consistent praise for its "very level sites" where "everything worked great."
Winter accommodations: Cabin rentals offer alternatives when RV systems might freeze. Sparks America Campgrounds earned praise from a winter visitor who noted "the grounds was very clean the bathrooms was totally clean easy to get to overall a great experience."
Water quality concerns: Some locations have water quality issues. A visitor to Oklahoma City East KOA observed, "Water was brown, but we have a Berkey filter, so it wasn't a problem for us. I wouldn't be happy if we didn't have the Berkey, and weren't still winterized. Use your inline filters here!"
